photo: Cleveland Metroparks
Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
Form:
Showy, short-lived perennial or biennial, 3-4' tall. First-year leaves form a basal rosette that over-winters. Flowering stalks emerge in spring.
Leaves:
Lance-shaped, toothed, alternate, and sessile or with a very short petiole. Decrease in size as they ascend the stem. Fine hairs on leaves and stem.
Flowers:
Large, loose, rounded inflorescences of fragrant white, pink, or purple 4-petaled flowers. Bloom in late spring through early summer. Stamens and style are mostly concealed in flower tube, and like all species in the mustard family, there are 6 stamens, 4 long, 2 short.
Fruits & Seeds:
Abundant. Produced in long, narrow siliques up to 5" long that are constricted between seeds and break apart lengthwise at maturity.
Similar Species:
Fall phlox (Phlox paniculata) native
Tier 4 - Widespread and Abundant
These are known problem species throughout Cleveland Metroparks and are currently under active management. Management plans are set using population extent and site-specific information.
Action: These plants should be recored as present or absent. These species are known to be widespread and abundant throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
